ABSTRACT

The endophytic niche requires special recognition because of its unique habitat and potential to affect plants. Endophytic bacteria can colonize the apoplastic and intracellular locations in roots without causing negative impacts on the host plant (Schulz and Boyle, 2006). Because of their intimate contact or location within roots, they are more protected

2.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................23 2.1.1 Microbial ecology, genomics, and synergisms .................................................... 24 2.1.2Gene pools and microbial diversity ......................................................................25